Knowing the need: a report on the emerging picture of preservation need
in libraries and archives in the UK
The National Preservation Office's report on preservation need is the
result of preservation assessments carried out in a large number of
libraries and archives over the past five years. A great deal of data
has been collected and analysed, providing a statistical basis for
prioritising preservation activity both within institutions, and
collaboratively.
The headline findings show that:
* Significant amounts of unique or nationally important material
are at risk because of poor preservation practice
* There is a lack of environmental monitoring and control
especially in libraries
* 13% of material surveyed is actively deteriorating or will be
damaged if used
* 50% of material is stored in inadequate accommodation.
The report is being widely distributed. We hope that individual
libraries and archives will be able to apply the generic findings to
their own preservation planning and use the report to raise awareness of
the need to support collections for the benefit of current and future
users. The findings are commended to strategic consortia, regional and
national organisations. Collections are at the heart of libraries and
archives, and must be maintained and supported in order to underpin
access, learning and community strategies.
The NPO will be working with representatives of key institutions and
organisations to develop strategies to meet the collection needs which
have been identified.
The full text is at http://www.bl.uk/services/npo/pdf/knowing.pdf. A
limited number of paper copies is available : if you require one please
email [log in to unmask]
Alison Walker
Head
National Preservation Office
Alison Walker
Head
National Preservation Office
British Library
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2DB
Tel: 020 7412 7798
Fax: 020 7412 7796
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